UN supporting North on Wigneswaran’s request

The United Nations says it is exploring provision of a broad package of technical and financial assistance to the Northern Province on a request made by Northern Province Chief Minister C.V Wigneswaran.

UN spokesman?St?phane Dujarric said the UN supports the Government and the people of Sri?Lanka and their efforts to advance reconciliation and accountability.

“What is currently under discussion for support by the Peacebuilding Fund are initiatives to advance the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka by resettlement of internally displaced persons, national reconciliation, strengthening human rights mechanism, and ending impunity.? The UN support is always based on the basis of inclusive and participatory consultations with all key stakeholders.? And my understanding is that already $1?million have been already dispersed to support resettlement and integration initiatives for the remaining internally displaced people in the north and east on land that?s been? on seized land that have been returned by the Government.? For the rest, we continue to consult with the Government of Sri?Lanka and the Northern Provincial Council and all key stakeholders to finalize the UN support,” he said.

Asked about the position of the UN on the investigations over the war and if it should be a domestic or international process, the UN spokesman said that it?will need to be determined?after the report on Sri Lanka by the UN?High Commissioner for human rights is released. (Colombo Gazette)